Juliette Benzoni
Juliette Benzoni: A Life of Passion and Prolific Writing
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Juliette Benzoni was born September 26, 1920, in Paris, France. She is also known by her married name, Juliette de Selves.
Birth and Death Dates
Benzoni passed away on December 1, 2017, at the age of 97, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 novels and numerous adaptations for television and film.
Nationality and Profession(s)
A French writer by nationality, Benzoni's profession was that of a novelist, with a focus on historical fiction. Her work often blended elements of romance, adventure, and drama to create captivating stories that transported readers through time and space.
Early Life and Background
Born into a family of modest means, Benzoni's early life was marked by hardship and struggle. However, her love for reading and writing began at an early age, with her mother introducing her to the works of Victor Hugo. This exposure sparked a lifelong passion for literature that would eventually lead her to become one of France's most beloved authors.
Benzoni's experiences during World War II had a profound impact on her life and writing. She witnessed the brutal treatment of Jews in occupied Paris, which later influenced her portrayal of historical events in her novels. Her own personal struggles and losses also found their way into her stories, lending authenticity to her characters' experiences.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her long and illustrious career, Benzoni achieved numerous milestones:
She wrote over 100 novels across various genres, including romance, adventure, historical fiction, and mystery.
Her work has been translated into more than 30 languages worldwide.
Many of her novels have been adapted for television and film, introducing her stories to a broader audience.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Benzoni's most notable works include:
The Lycée series: A collection of novels that explore the lives of young women in France during World War I and II.
The Catherine series: Novels centered around the life of Catherine de Medici, Queen of France during the 16th century.
The Knights Templar series: Historical fiction novels set against the backdrop of medieval Europe.
Benzoni's writing often explored themes of love, sacrifice, and survival, drawing heavily from historical events and her own experiences. Her passion for storytelling earned her a loyal following across the globe.
Impact and Legacy
Juliette Benzoni's impact on French literature is undeniable. She not only captivated readers with her engaging stories but also paved the way for future generations of female writers in France. Her work continues to inspire new authors, and her legacy serves as a testament to the power of storytelling.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Benzoni's quotes often reflect her passion for life, writing, and history:
> "The only thing that matters is the story you have to tell."
This quote encapsulates Benzoni's philosophy on writing, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in connecting people across time and space. Her commitment to her craft and her dedication to sharing compelling narratives with readers worldwide have cemented her place as one of France's most beloved authors.
As we reflect on Benzoni's life and work, it becomes clear that her legacy extends far beyond her written words. She has inspired countless readers, writers, and filmmakers, leaving an indelible mark on the world of literature. Her passion for storytelling continues to captivate audiences, ensuring that Juliette Benzoni remains a beloved figure in French literary history.
Quotes by Juliette Benzoni
Il n’y a pas une femme au monde qui n’aime le Champagne ! Il fait briller les yeux... encore, que les vôtres n’aient vraiment pas besoin de cet artifice ! J’ai vu bien des émeraudes moins belles !
I have a weakness for Catherine. Because she was the first of my heroines, and also because I invented her story, whereas "Marianne, a Star for Napoleon" was a command given to me by my Publisher for the bicentenary of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
Hän oli sonnustautunut kiireestä kantapäähän soopelinmustaan haarniskaan ja seistessään saliin johtavan oven kynnyksellä hän näytti tuomion enkeliltä. Kaikki hänessä oli järkkymättömän mustaa alkaen kypärän sulkatöyhtöstä, joka heilahteli pienimmästäkin liikahduksesta, aina aseisiin saakka, jotka olivat erehtymättömästi sota-aseita eivätkä niitä koristeita, joita ritarit tavallisesti käyttivät juhlissa.
–Suutelen jalkojanne, ihana rouva! Ja menen jonnekin muualle suremaan onnetonta tähteäni...ja teidän huonoa makuanne! Samalla uudistan tuttavuuteni erinoimaisen Beaune-viininne kanssa. Se näiden kirottujen burgundien kunniaksi on sentään sanottava, että he osaavat valmistaa viiniä!
Sé todo eso, pero para amar no es necesario el matrimonio. Tampoco es necesario estar siempre juntos. El verdadero amor lo soporta todo: el alejamiento, las separaciones, la soledad e incluso la muerte.
Marianne, Marianne ! Oublie tout cela... tout ce qui n’est pas nous ! Oublie Napoléon, oublie qu’il y a quelque part au monde un homme dont tu portes le nom, oublie comme je l’oublie moi-même que Pilar vit toujours, dans je ne sais quel coin caché de l’Espagne où elle a choisi de résider car elle me croit toujours au bagne et espère bien que j’y mourrai ! Il y a nous deux, rien que nous deux... et il y a la mer, là... tout près... à nos pieds !
As for... Monseigneur's feelings toward you, I think you are misinformed. You are too modest, Dame Catherine, far too modest, and I believe you know that the Duke has not forgotten you. Everyone here knows the truth about the Golden Fleece...
Ton père? Il est le dernier de cette race effrayante des Tournemine, qui durant les siècles, ont fondu comme des oiseaux de proie sur tout ce qui passait à portée de leurs tours (.....) Il ne lui restait rien de la puissance ni de l'énorme fortune qui faisaient dire, à certaine époque, que les messieurs de La Hunaudaye étaient seulement un peu moins grands seigneurs que le Roi de France. Il s'appelait Pierre ....
Ma couce... mon incomparable! T'aimer? Mais je t'ai adorée toute ma vie et je ne cesserai jamais de t'aimer? Jamais! Tant qu'il me restera une pensée, un souffle, je t'aimerais...
And you dare to wear the golden spurs of a knight? You dare to call yourself a Marshal of France and carry the fleur-de-lis on your coat of arms? The meanest lackey in this hall knows more of honour and loyalty than you! Hang and burn my servants and kill me - kill too, now that you have handed your companion-in-arms Arnaud de Montsalvy, to your cousin. With my last breath, I shall call on Heaven to witness that Gilles de Rais is a traitor and a felon!